20 Best Things to Do in Tokyo: A Guide to Japan’s Capital

1. Visit Senso-ji Temple

While there are countless temples in the Japanese Capital, Senso-ji Temple is probably the most famous and a must-add to your Tokyo to-do list. 

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most visited Buddhist temple, welcomes over thirty million visitors each year. Its five-story Pagoda is one of the most beautiful in whole Japan, and the main hall has preserved an essential relevance for Japanese spirituality

Established in 628 CE, its story begins with two fisherman brothers discovering a golden statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, in the Sumida River.

Nakamise-dori is a historic 250-metre shopping street leading up to the temple and is one of the most popular spots in the area. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of shops selling traditional Japanese snacks, souvenirs, and local crafts.

If you want to discover Asakusa beyond the Senso-ji Temple, I can recommend this top rated walking tour. You will also find a lot of kimono rentals in this area.

2. See Shibuya Crossing

When you think of Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing is probably the first thing that pops into your head. With around 250,000 to over 500,000 people crossing every day, it’s probably the most bustling spot in one of the world’s busiest cities!

One of the best ways to see Shibuya Crossing is from above. There are several viewpoints around the area, including the famous Starbucks overlooking the intersection. However, my favourite view was from Parco Rooftop Terrace (free!).

The crossing is also featured in well-known films like Lost in Translation and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Have you even beet to Tokyo if you haven’t seen Shibuya Crossing?

📍 Consider this affordable & well rated Shibuya Walking Tour

3. Explore Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is one of the most peaceful places in Tokyo as it offers a quiet escape from the busy streets of Harajuku. Surrounded by a huge forest, it feels like a completely different world from the city just outside.

Completed in 1920, the shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. To reach the main complex, you’ll walk along a forest path and pass through enormous wooden torii gates.

Don’t miss the colorful sake barrels near the entrance, donated by breweries from across Japan. On the opposite side, you’ll also find French wine barrels, reflecting Emperor Meiji’s interest in Western culture.

If you’re lucky, you might even see a traditional Shinto wedding taking place at the shrine.

4. Find the Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. You can visit the tower and enjoy panoramic views from above, but if you’re into photography like me, there are plenty of spots around Tokyo to capture it from a different perspective.

Built in 1958, the tower became a symbol of Japan’s post-war recovery and is still an important part of the country’s identity. Its red and white colors and Eiffel Tower-inspired design make it one of the most photographed landmarks in Tokyo.

If you want to take a photo of Tokyo Tower for free, head to the parking lot staircase near Tofuya Ukai or visit Zojo-ji Temple. For a view from above, I recommend Roppongi Hills, which offers a great perspective of the tower.

💡 Do you want to enjoy Tokyo Tower views from your accommodation? Check out these hotels in Tokyo!

5. Discover Hie Shrine

Hie Shrine is one of the main temples of the Japanese Capital, famous especially for the photogenic pathway lined with dozens of bright red vermilion torii gates that call to mind Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari.

Despite its historical relevance and architectural beauty, the temple is relatively crowd-free, allowing a peaceful visit for locals and tourists alike.

Hie Shrine is also famous for its Donkey guardian statues on the sides of the temple. The temple is free to visit, so this is a good chance to discover an important cultural side of the city open to everyone. 

If you happen to be in Tokyo at the beginning of June, you can’t miss Sannō Festival, which is one of “the three great festivals” of Tokyo. It starts here at Hie Shrine. There are plenty of things to see and do throughout the festival, with performances almost every day.

6. Walk around the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace of Tokyo serves as the official residence of the Emperor of Japan and a living link to centuries of the nation’s political and cultural history. Originally, it was the site where Edo (old name of Tokyo) was built.

Even if you can’t really enter the palace, as it is the residence of the Emperor of Japan, visits to the grounds and Kokyo Gaien National Garden are permitted. You can also join a guided tour to learn more about the palace.

Don’t miss Nijubashi Bridge, one of the most charming bridges in Japan. The Nijubashi Bridge is special because it serves as the ceremonial entrance to the Imperial Palace and acts as a primary symbol of the Japanese Imperial family’s dignity and history.

7. Go shopping in Tokyo

Tokyo is a paradise for shopping lovers. From vintage stores and luxury brands to independent boutiques, traditional crafts, and quirky Japanese products, the choice is almost endless.

If you’re looking for high-end fashion and jewelry, Ginza is the obvious place to start. For something more traditional, explore Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa, which leads to Senso-ji Temple and is lined with souvenir shops and traditional stores.

Shibuya and Harajuku are packed with shopping malls and department stores. Check out Tokyu Plaza Harajuku “Harakado” and Tokyu Plaza Omotesando “Omokado” for shopping and modern architecture.

If you prefer vintage shopping, head to Shimokitazawa, known for its second-hand clothing stores, record shops, and independent boutiques. Yanaka Ginza is another good option if you want to explore a more traditional side of Tokyo.

You’ll also find vintage and second-hand shops all over the city, so it’s worth exploring beyond the main shopping districts. If you love flea markets, Tokyo has plenty of them, selling everything from antiques and ceramics to vintage clothing and collectibles. 

If you’re interested in anime merchandise and electronics, keep reading for more shopping recommendations.

8. Explore the book district

Jimbocho is one of my favourite hidden gems in Tokyo. Get off at Jimbocho Station and you’ll find yourself surrounded by old bookstores, vintage signs, and tiny cafés that give the neighborhood a completely different feel from the rest of the city.

Known as Tokyo’s book district, Jimbocho is home to around 200 second-hand bookstores selling everything from rare editions and vintage manga to art books and old prints. 

One worth visiting is Yaguchi Book Store (矢口書店), which specializes in old books, cinema memorabilia, and printed material. If you love photography, you will want to bring your camera.

Jimbocho has been known for its bookstores for decades, partly thanks to the universities nearby, which brought generations of students and book lovers to the area. 

If you’ve read Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, you might already be familiar with the neighborhood. The novel follows a young woman who starts working in her uncle’s second-hand bookstore in Jimbocho.

Even if you’re not a big book lover, Jimbocho is worth exploring. You can browse the little shops, stop at a traditional Japanese coffee house, or simply wander around and discover a different side of Tokyo.

9. Find the best views of Tokyo

With its countless skyscrapers, Tokyo has plenty of viewpoints where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, from free observation decks to paid rooftop platforms.

Tokyo Skytree is probably the most famous option, as it’s the tallest tower in Japan. I was a bit skeptical about visiting, but the views were actually impressive. I recommend buying your ticket online to save a few yen.

Another popular option is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. The observation deck is free to visit, although you might have to wait in line.

Here’s a little tip: the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center has a free viewpoint overlooking Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree. Take the lift to the top floor for a great view without spending anything.

Shibuya Sky is another popular choice, especially around sunset. Its open-air rooftop offers 360-degree views of Tokyo, including Shibuya Crossing. You can buy your ticket here and make sure to book ahead if you want to visit at sunset.

My personal favourite was Roppongi Hills, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and a great view of Tokyo Tower. I recommend buying your ticket online here, too, to save time and money.

10. Walk through Shinjuku at night

You’ll quickly realize that Tokyo’s neighborhoods can feel like cities of their own, and Shinjuku is a perfect example. Start at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building before sunset, then head out to explore the streets once the neon lights come on.

Shinjuku has everything you might imagine Tokyo to be at night, from busy restaurants and karaoke bars to bright signs, shops, and endless crowds. It’s especially worth exploring on foot, as there’s something to see around almost every corner.

Head to Omoide Yokocho, also known as Memory Lane, a narrow alley filled with tiny restaurants. From there, make your way to the famous 3D Cat billboard near Shinjuku Station, then continue to Kabukicho, Tokyo’s best-known entertainment district.

To end the evening, visit Shinjuku Golden-Gai, a maze of narrow alleys packed with tiny bars. Although it’s become popular with tourists, it still has plenty of character, and you’ll find locals here, too. Bring some cash, as some bars don’t accept cards.

–> Join a guided food tour through Shinjuku

11. Visit Tokyo’s museums

One of the things I like about Tokyo is how diverse its museums are. Whether you’re interested in traditional Japanese art, trains, books, or anime, there is something for almost everyone.

If you love Japanese art, visit the Sumida Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the famous artist behind The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The Nezu Museum is another interesting stop, combining Asian art, modern architecture, and a beautiful Japanese garden.

For something a little different, head to Saitama and explore the Railway Museum, where you can walk through real trains and learn more about Japan’s railway history. 

The Earthquake Science Museum is also worth considering if you’re interested in how Japan prepares for earthquakes, with interactive exhibits and an earthquake simulator.

If you love books and architecture, don’t miss the Kadokawa Musashino Museum. Its enormous Bookshelf Theater, lined with thousands of books, is particularly impressive. 

Another option is the National Art Center Tokyo, which hosts changing exhibitions rather than displaying a permanent collection.

And these are just a few examples. Tokyo also has museums dedicated to photography, animation, science, history, food, and much more. Whatever your interests are, you’re likely to find something worth visiting.

12. Explore Nezu 

Just north of Ueno Park, you’ll find Nezu, one of my favourite neighborhoods in Tokyo. It has managed to preserve much of the nostalgic charm of Old Tokyo (shitamachi), with narrow streets, traditional wooden buildings, and a relaxed, artistic atmosphere. 

Nezu is also a great neighborhood to explore if you love Japanese food. You’ll find plenty of small, family-run restaurants and cafés, each with its own character. 

One place worth checking out is Nezu Kamachiku, known for its kamaage udon noodles and housed in a renovated stone warehouse redesigned by renowned architect Kengo Kuma.

Another highlight is Nezu Shrine, one of Tokyo’s historic Shinto shrines, known for its beautiful Edo-period architecture that survived both the 1923 earthquake and World War II.

13. Experience teamLab Borderless

teamLab Borderless is one of the most unique experiences in Tokyo. When it first opened in 2018, it introduced a completely different way to experience digital art and has since inspired similar exhibitions around the world.

Unlike a traditional museum, there is no set route to follow. You walk from one room to another, discovering digital artworks that move and change around you. Some respond to your touch, while others let you get involved.

Every visit is different, and you never quite know what you’ll discover next. I recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the busy season.

14. Have coffee at Kayaba Coffee

Tokyo has thousands of cafés, but if you’re looking for something a little different, I recommend Kayaba Coffee in the Yanaka area.

Set inside a traditional early-1900s house, this café has plenty of character, with tatami seating upstairs and a quiet atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy streets outside. It’s a nice place to enjoy a coffee, an egg sandwich, or a slice of cheesecake.

Kayaba Coffee can get busy, so it’s worth checking whether you can reserve a table in advance.

If you prefer modern cafés, Tokyo has plenty of those, too. For an affordable coffee, you can also try Japanese chains like Doutor or Caffè Veloce.

15. Meet Hachikō

You might know Hachikō’s story from the 2009 movie starring Richard Gere, but in Japan, this loyal Akita dog has been remembered for almost a century.

Hachikō used to walk his owner, Professor Hidesaburō Ueno, to Shibuya Station and wait for him to return from work. When the professor died unexpectedly in 1925, Hachikō continued coming back to the station every day for almost 10 years, waiting for his owner to return.

Today, you can find Hachikō’s statue just outside Shibuya Station. It’s one of the most famous meeting spots in Tokyo and a symbol of loyalty and friendship.

If you’d like to learn more about their story, visit the University of Tokyo’s agricultural museum, where you can also see a statue of Hachikō reunited with Professor Ueno.

16. Explore Tokyo’s anime and pop culture

Raise your hand if you grew up watching Japanese anime! You don’t have to be an otaku to enjoy Tokyo’s anime culture, and Akihabara Electric Town is a good place to start.

The neighborhood is packed with shops selling manga, collectible cards, action figures, retro video games, and plenty of arcades. If you’re into Japanese pop culture, you could easily spend an entire day exploring the area.

Akihabara started as a post-war market for radio parts before becoming one of Tokyo’s main hubs for electronics and pop culture. And while the bright signs and flagship stores are hard to miss, some of the most interesting finds are tucked away in smaller shops.

Look under the railway tracks, where you’ll find little stores selling everything from old Game Boys and cameras to vintage radios and other electronics. You can also shop for new gadgets around the neighborhood. 

17. Explore Ueno

Ueno is one the neighborhoods in Tokyo where there is so much to see that it’s difficult to fit everything into one short section.

Start with Ueno Park, which is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season but is worth visiting any time of the year. 

Inside the park, you’ll find the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, several other museums, and a few smaller spots that are easy to miss, including Gojo Ten and Hanazono Inari Shrines.

For a completely different side of Ueno, head to Ameyoko Market. The streets are packed with food stalls, restaurants, and shops selling everything from shoes and watches to skincare products. 

It’s a good place to grab something to eat, too. Gyukatsu Motomura is known for its beef cutlets, while Ramen Kamo to Negi is a popular choice for ramen.

If you have time, take a walk around Shinobazu Pond or stop by ROUTE BOOKS, a little bookshop and café that’s worth a look.

18. Discover Shibamata

Shibamata is one of Tokyo’s lesser-known neighborhoods, and it’s worth the detour if you want to see a different side of the city. It has a nostalgic shitamachi atmosphere, with old-fashioned streets, traditional shops, and a relaxed pace of life.

As you leave the train station, you’ll find the statues of Tora and Sakura, the main characters of Otoko wa Tsurai yo, one of Japan’s longest-running film series. Nearby, you can also see the famous Three Wise Monkeys statue.

The main attraction is Shibamata Taishakuten, a historic temple known for its incredibly detailed wood carvings. Don’t skip the sculpture gallery, where you can appreciate the craftsmanship up close.

One of my favourite stops was Yamamoto-tei, a traditional 1920s house where you can enjoy matcha while looking out over a beautiful Japanese garden with a pond and a small waterfall. It reminded me of Kyoto, right in the middle of Tokyo.

Before leaving, take a walk along Shibamata Taishakuten Sandō, the shopping street leading to the temple, with its traditional shops and food stalls. You can also stop by the Shibamata Toy Museum for a bit of nostalgia.

19. Try Tokyo’s best food

Let’s be honest, a lot of us travel to Japan for the food, and Tokyo is the perfect place to try everything from ramen and sushi to wagyu, okonomiyaki, and onigiri.

With so many restaurants to choose from, the food scene can feel a little overwhelming. The good thing is that many Japanese restaurants specialize in just one thing, whether it’s ramen, sushi, or tonkatsu, so you can focus on finding the places that do it best.

My biggest recommendation is to explore beyond the obvious choices. Some of my favourite experiences were in izakayas, casual Japanese pubs that remind me of Italian trattorias or Portuguese tascas. 

They’re great for trying yakitori and other grilled dishes, often with menus written on the walls. Keep a translation app handy, as it can make ordering much easier.

Don’t overlook conveyor belt sushi restaurants, either. You don’t need to spend a fortune on an omakase meal to enjoy good sushi. I really liked Uobei Shin-Okubo, where you can try different types of sushi without breaking the bank.

Tsukiji Fish Market is another popular stop, and I think it’s worth visiting for its atmosphere and connection to Tokyo’s food culture. I have to say that you’ll find plenty of excellent food elsewhere in the city, but if the market is on your list, explore it with a local guide.

Eggs are another thing worth trying in Japan, especially if you enjoy them soft or raw. For something different, check out Egg Baby Cafe, known for its egg dishes, or Menchirashi for its Japanese-Italian take on carbonara.

And don’t forget the drinks! One of my recommendations is Iyoshi Cola, a craft cola made with a blend of herbs and spices. Visit the main shop to try it freshly prepared, and you can even buy the syrup to take home.

The best advice I can give you is to stay curious and try things you might not normally order. I absolutely hate raw fish, but in Japan, it literally melts in your mouth, so it completely changed my mind about sushi. This is just one of the examples.

20. Take a day trip from Tokyo

One of the great things about Tokyo is how many places you can visit on a day trip. Whether you’re looking for nature, historic towns, temples, or theme parks, there are plenty of options to choose from.

The most popular day trip from Tokyo is probably Disneyland. The amusement park is one of the city’s major attractions, and it offers a classic Magic Kingdom layout with higher maintenance standards.

If you are a history lover, head to Sawara, a charming town with traditional wooden houses, canals, and small cafés. If you prefer nature, Nikko is a great choice, especially in autumn. Highlights include Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

Kamakura is another favorite, known for its temples, the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, and Hase-dera Temple. You can also ride the Enoden train along the coast, with views of the sea and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.

If you don’t want to travel far, visit Gotokuji Temple, famous for its thousands of maneki-neko, the Japanese lucky cats. For a traditional Japanese architecture, Nihon Minka-en is an open-air museum with historic houses relocated from different parts of Japan.

Finally, Jindaiji Temple is worth visiting for its long history, natural springs, and local soba noodles. Founded in 733, it’s one of Tokyo’s oldest temples and a nice escape from the city.

Discover more unique things to do in Tokyo

Beyond the famous landmarks and popular neighborhoods, Tokyo has plenty of unusual experiences worth adding to your itinerary. 

You can join a traditional Japanese cooking class, learn more about local culture through hands-on workshops, or explore the city with a local guide who can show you places you might otherwise miss.

I’ve put together a separate guide covering some of the best tours and experiences in Tokyo, so you can find something that matches your interests and make the most of your time in Japan.